Conference unifix::sailing

>    I wrote to Mr. Schwartz expressing my feelings and suggested the
>    money for postage and promotions of these other "services" would
>    better be spent on the political efforts and price reductions. 
>    I suggested a separate travel service be set up and supported by
>    those interested in that aspect of boating.  I never received a
>    reply.
>    
>    I support the lobby effort.  I reluctantly subsidise the travel
>    and bank card service.

I'm not a member of BOAT US, and I'm not familiar with the details of
their arrangements with travel services and and bank card providers, but
these things are typically revenue neutral or even income sources to
the organization. The postage, advertising costs, etc. are generally paid for by
the travel service or bank card issuer (hence indirectly by the customers
of these services). The organization typically supplies only the right to use
its name and letterhead.

--RS

    I'm considering joining BOAT/US. Does anyone know how good their prices
    are compared to West Marine? I'm mainly interested in Harken cleats and
    blocks.
    
    Thanks,
    
    Paul

    
    Boat/US guarantees that they'll meet the lowest price, and now I
    believe that they'll meet it and then throw in 10% of the 
    difference if theirs was higher.
    
    That's not to say that their prices are always the lowest, but if
    you shop around and can show them the advertisement they'll honor
    it.
    
       /Jim
    

    If you are near a store, they also will allow any mismarked prices on
    items.  I found a Racor diesel filter marked $10 less than the others
    on the shelf.  Another friend saved over $100 on a stove that was
    mismarked.

    I believe BOAT/US is always cheaper. There has been a lot of discussion
    to the contrary in the BOATING notes file. However, most members
    agree BOAT/US is good prices and good service.
    I live in Seattle and there is a retail store called West Marine.
    BOAT/US is always cheaper than they are if it is the same outfit.

    any store in NH,MA or RI ?
    
    Peter

    re: .6
    
    Boat/us has a large retail store in Belmont, Mass. close to the Waltham
    City line.  It is not on a major highway or thoroughfare and can be 
    hard to locate if you are not familiar with the area.
    
    Best to call for directions.
    
    Prices are ok.  Advice is ok.  Selection is ok (especially for the
    standard stuff, like life jackets, charts, or waxes).  For truly matching a
    part I need fixed/replaced, I still head for Marine Exchange in
    Danvers. 

    There is one in Waltham Ma. at 411 Waverly Oaks Rd.
    3 1/2 miles east of rt. 128.  Take the Trapelo Rd. exit.
    
    - gene

    Gene,
    
    Jeez, I thought it was close to Waltham....   :-)
    
    Ron

    I just joined BOAT/US and went to thier MA store for the first time
    last night. I'm a bit disappointed.
    
    Their choice of blocks and cleats is limited. Plus, the prices on what
    they did have were higher than I could find in mailorder catalogs like
    West Marine, Layline, and Sailors Choice. 
    
    I was surprised when I recieved some negative comments as I showed my 
    catalogs and asked for the extra 10% discount. Being in the market for
    relatively low priced gear, this was a losing deal for me considering
    the membership cost. 
    
    At least I can feel good about sending fat lobbyists to lunch in DC to 
    help fight boat taxes :).
     
    Paul

    Re .10>
    
    Paul,
    	Didn't Boat U.S. honor their committment? If not what excuse did
    they use? I'm a little surprised that they aren't standing by their
    published policy.
    Regards,
    Paul

    They did honor the deal (lowest price + 10% of the difference), but
    they tried to squirm out of it.
    
    It went something like:
    
    Them: We have to fill out paperwork for every item, is it worth it?        
    
    Me: Yup
    
    Them: The difference is only a few bucks, does it matter?
    
    Me: Yup
    
    Them: You live in RI, I hope you didn't drive up here for this!
    
    Me: I work in MA
    
    Them: We have to call every catalog company you use, if it's not in
          stock, you don't get the discount.
    
    Me: That's not what YOUR catalog says
    
    Them: We have to photocopy all your catalogs, gonna take awhile
    
    Me: Yup
    
    
    If I bought alot of expensive foul weather gear and electronics, this
    10% deal might balance out the yearly dues. But with the small boat
    hardware and supplies that I buy (Jamestown Distrubuters is between my
    house and boat), it doesn't pay.
    
    Paul
    Paul 

    Re.12>
    	OK, I see. They do honor it, but try to make it as unpleasant as
    possible. 
    	I have found lower prices elsewhere and just ordered the stuff from 
    the other source when the savings have been significant. I still
    consider them to be a good source though and I feel the towing insurance 
    is worthwhile as well as their product reports etc..
    Regards,
    Paul 

Do people take into account the shipping charges for catalogs like 
West? We ordered a bunch of stuff from West and after the SHOCK of
the shipping charges (they add 25-30% to the price) I dont think
we'll go that route again.

    I reviewed Boat/U.S. charges from 1986 to present, and found that
    shipping and handling charges ran from maybe 3 to 65%.  The 65% comes
    when you order one $3.95 item.  The 3% comes when you make a large
    order.  I didn't run statistics, but I'd guess that the average might
    have been 9%.
    
    On matching prices of other suppliers:
    
    I just ordered a small bunch of stuff, mostly for mooring.  Boat/U.S.
    price for a 1/2" galvanized swivel was $17.50.  Post Marine had them
    for $12.50.  I informed the order clerk, who put me on hold for a
    moment, then told me I'd be charged $11 and change for the swivel.  No
    fuss, no hassle.
    
    J

    After shoveling the snow off the monohull yesterday (man this is going
    to be a looooooooooooong winter ;>(  ), I took a run over to Boat/US.
    
    Prices for everything in the store are up about 10%.
    
    On the good side, I heard they are going to be opening a store in 
    R.I. and Seabrook NH. RI will be ready in late March,  Seabrook in
    May.
    
    The store in Waltham has a bunch of new sailing videos on sale for $8.95
    each. They still have the rentals there too. The heavy weather sailing
    one is fantastic.
    
    john
    (who is either going to keep his toy at home next year, or invest in
    a set of snowshoes!)

    re .16
      Yesterday I took a ride to find the new Seabrook store. Keep heading
    North past both Nuke plant entrances. On the right about .25 miles 
    further (near the Market Basket store). It is set back as part of a 
    strip mall, but there is sign out front. The store is smaller than
    waltham, but has everything piled into it.